CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Gov. Jim Justice on Saturday, March 2, announced the ongoing negotiations between the Governor's Office and the federal Department of Education regarding COVID-19 funding that will be sent directly from the federal government to county boards of education and institutions of higher education. Regarding the negotiations, the following statement was released:
“Let me be clear on this issue: A $465 million ‘clawback’ is not on the table and will not allow my office, Congress, or our education system to misuse COVID-19 funds. There are no allegations of mishandling or mishandling.
“Negotiations with the federal Department of Education focus solely on COVID-19 funds that go directly from the federal government to county school boards and higher education institutions, and the rules enacted after the funds are disbursed. .
“My office is in direct negotiations with the Federal Department of Education and we hope to reach a positive resolution soon.
“The only question raised by the federal regulations is whether West Virginia’s education spending has increased sufficiently in proportion to the state’s overall spending. Over the past few years, our economy has recovered from the pandemic and We've done a great job of increasing surplus after surplus, and I'm going to join Congress and use those surpluses to provide much-needed funding for roads and infrastructure improvements, for what was then DHHR, for the state's prisons, and for West Virginia. He used the money to diversify the economy by investing in economic development projects that will bring thousands of jobs to the United States. At the same time, he increased spending on classrooms and gave teachers well-deserved raises. However, federal regulations are focused on proportions. They emphasize West Virginia's economic success and investments in roads, infrastructure, and higher incomes for West Virginians, even as we increase investment in schools. We are punishing them for bringing in jobs.
“The Federal Ministry of Education raised the same issue last year, but we have satisfied the Ministry by showing that we are making additional investments in salary increases for teachers and service personnel and funding for the School Construction Authority. Last year, we met with legislative leadership to advise them on this issue and our efforts to meet federal Department of Education regulations. We hope to do the same this year by continuing to advise Congress. Our investments in education include raise after raise, more aides in the classroom, and school construction and reconstruction projects. Our investments continue this year with another historic 5% pay increase and an unprecedented $150 million proposal for the School Construction Authority.
“I have been urging the Legislature to pass a budget that includes these items. Our efforts have been successful in consultation with the federal Department of Energy, and we have received support from county boards of education and higher education institutions to the federal government. My belief is that this money should be used to invest in domestic education, rather than having the federal government take money from county schools and colleges. It's a strong belief.
“This problem started several years ago and the previous State Superintendent did not properly address the problem or report it to the State Board of Education. When Superintendent Blatt was appointed, she took this issue personally. My chief of staff has been working directly with the federal Department of Energy to negotiate a solution.
“Again, I am confident that we will quickly reach a positive solution, and that my proposed budget includes historic raises for educators and unprecedented funding for the School Construction Authority. We urge Congress to act quickly on this basis. This is not just about meeting the federal government's expectations. It's about our continued commitment to improving education for all West Virginians. ”
